EtherCAT and DeviceNet modules for configurable safety relays

The Pilz PNOZmulti is an established range of expandable, software-configurable safety relays. With a wealth of input and output expansion options for safe and standard automation, as well as the capability for interlinking safely over SafeLink, the PNOZmulti offers machine builders a powerful and versatile safety controller without the cost and complexitry associated with a safety PLC.

Now, thanks to the PNOZ mc2.1p EtherCAT 2 expansion module (Pilz part number 773713), machine builders can integrate a PNOZmulti within an EtherCAT 2 network for fast data exchange at field level. The PNOZ mc2.1p is a passive EtherCAT subscriber (slave) module. The basic communication functions with EtherCAT conform to the system description published by the EtherCAT User Group. In operation, the central controller (master) reads input information from the slaves and writes output information to the slaves as part of each cycle. Note that the expansion module may not be used for safety-related functions.

Pilz explains that the virtual inputs and outputs that are to be transferred via EtherCAT are selected and configured in the PNOZmulti Configurator. The base unit and the PNOZ mc2.1p expansion module are connected via a jumper. After the supply voltage is switched on or the PNOZmulti control system is reset, the PNOZ mc2.1p is configured and started automatically.

Two RJ45 sockets provide the connection to EtherCAT, while LEDs indicate the status of the expansion module on EtherCAT. The configuration is described in detail in the PNOZmulti Configurator's online help.

Key product features include:

• Configurable in the PNOZmulti Configurator
• Supports CANopen over EtherCAT (DS301 V4.02 compliant)
• Status indicators for communication with EtherCAT and for errors
• The data length and content of the PDOs can be freely configured by the EtherCAT Master (maximum 148 Bytes TxPDO and 20 Bytes RxPDO)
• 24 virtual outputs on the control system PNOZmulti can be defined in the PNOZmulti Configurator for communication with the EtherCAT fieldbus. The number of inputs and outputs can be extended to 128
• The XML file for incorporating the new EtherCAT module is available on the Pilz website

Follow the link to see the other PNOZmulti fieldbus modules for CC-Link, CANopen, Interbus, DeviceNet, EthernetIP/Modbus TCP and Profibus.

PNOZmulti Mini

At exactly one-third the width of the PNOZmulti, the PNOZmulti Mini is an ultra-compact (45mm wide) software-configurable safety relay. With 20 safe inputs and four solid-state safe outputs (each reaching PL e) the PNOZmulti Mini can be expanded and safely linked using Pilz SafeLink protocol.

A new PNOZ mmc4p DN DeviceNet module (Pilz part number 772033) enables users of PNOZmulti Mini relays (PNOZ mm0p, PNOZ mm0.1p and PNOZ mm 0.2p) to connect to DeviceNet networks. This new module complements and can be used simultaneously with the PNOZmulti Mini's existing TCP/IP or RS232 interfaces. The PNOZ mmc4p DN can be configured using any version of the PNOZmulti Configurator software from Version 8.1.0 upwards.

Follow the first link to download an EDS file for the PNOZ mmc4p DN from the Pilz website, or the second link for more information about the full range of PNOZmulti Mini communications modules.